Earpiece microphones could be used to listen for early signs of dementia [Video]

By Stephen Beech via SWNS

Earpiece microphones could be used to listen for the early signs of dementia, according to new research.

The in-ear technology could monitor sounds of eye movements for neurological decay, say scientists.

Researchers from the School of Higher Technology (ETS) in Montreal, Canada, and Dartmouth in the United States are investigating the use of earpiece microphones to spot early signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

The debilitating disease affects more than 50 million people worldwide, and has no known cure,

The slow, progressive nature of the disease makes early diagnosis difficult.

Scientists say that people with Alzheimer’s show a loss of motor control along with cognitive decline.

One of the earliest signs can be spotted in involuntary eye movements, known as saccades.

The research team explained that the quick twitches of the eyes in Alzheimer’s patients are often slower, less accurate, or delayed compared to those in healthy people.

Research team member Arian Shamei said: …